‘I’m a Celebrity,’ get me a new job!

Reality stunts undermined credibility, execs say

COLOGNE — Political comedian Lisa Fitz has been fired from her show “SR Gesellschaftsabend” (Social Evening at SR),

by a regional subsid of pubcaster ARD after appearing on the first German season of RTL’s “I’m a Celebrity — Get Me Outta Here.”

Fitz took part in a series of stunts in the Australian jungle for “I’m a Celebrity,” which execs say undermined her credibility. RTL has promised to offer the eloquent Fitz her own show.

I’m a Celebrity,” which has already had local versions on ABC Stateside and on ITV in the U.K., ended Jan. 20 with victory for pop singer Costa Cordalis. Fitz came second.

It caused uproar among media watchers, politicians, and animal rights groups in Germany, mostly citing bad taste and a violation of human dignity.

The media authority of Lower Saxony considered a complaint but found it was helpless to protest against a stunt show in which media-experienced adults participated at free will.

Show was a ratings winner for RTL, with a market share of close to 40% in the 14-49 demo at peak times. It has commissioned another season and later this year will also start the first season of “Fear Factor” in Germany.